movie review time - the lion the witch and the wardrobe

I just got back from seeing Walden Media's production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe with my family. I heard this movie was in the works a couple years ago, and I've been eagerly awaiting it. I wasn't disappointed.

Walden Media impresses me. It's the first group that's consistently making quality movies with Christian themes. I've liked everything they've done so far - Joshua, Winn Dixie, Around the World in 80 Days.

Narnia is the best yet. The quality of the film is breathtaking. Of course, I may just be saying that because my only experience with the books set to video is the BBC version they made back in the 80s. (Can you pass the cheese, please?) The CGI Aslan is nothing short of awe-inspiring. It looks better than a real lion ever could.

Casting was solid and creative. Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy were all great. The White Witch wasn't what I expected. She was probably the weakest character for me, but I liked that the producers didn't try to do the standard "caricature" that we're used to.

Aslan is voiced by Liam Neeson. I would imagine the first name tossed out was someone like James Earl Jones, but I'm glad they went with something a little gentler and kinder.

The tone of the movie wasn't like Lord of the Rings - it was friendlier and more personal. It struck the right chord for kids - disturbing but not scary. Exciting but not nerve-wrecking. Virtually no blood is ever shown, but the battle sequences remain fast-paced and explosive.

The best thing about the movie for me wasn't the movie itself, but the ride home with my kids - talking with them about the themes that bring generation after generation back to the story: sacrifice, unity, bravery, responsibility, friendship, grace, mercy - and so many more. "OK, guys - what do you think the Turkish delight represented?" What great conversation!

I must confess, I got in a little over my head when I asked them why Aslan went back to the White Witch's castle to "un-stone" everyone there before he went to the fight. Before I knew it, I was having to back out of the discussion about whether Christ went to hell or Abraham's bosom. The old Baptist in me kept screaming "but He said 'it is finished!!!" So in my best "I have to figure that one out all the way before we can have this discussion" voice, I informed them that we'd talk about that one at a later date.

If you have kids - or even if you don't, go to this movie. It's beautiful and symbolic and mysterious. And if you've never read the books, do it. They're quick, easy reads that paint some amazing pictures for us to help us understand our journey. The last book in the series is called "The Last Battle". It's symbolism of the end of time is breathtaking.

the divine office

I started another blog at http://grifdaily.blogspot.com/ as a journal and divine office...

from church to church - finally making the jump

About four months ago, Angie and I felt God calling us out from our church home of 10 years - Gateway. At the time we didn't understand why - we had no idea where we were going. We just knew we needed to start walking.

I've heard it said that when people leave a church, they either leave as turtles (quietly, out the back door - with no explanation) or as skunks (making a huge stink all the way out the door). We were probably a little of both and through that experience, many character issues have been brought to the light. Personally, God has dealth with me about my critical attitude, negativity and pride.

Since that time, we've been vagabonds - trying different churches with different traditions...Anglican, Southern Baptist, non-dom, etc. It's been a great chance to get a bigger picture of God's Kindgom. Not everyone is alike. Not everyone agrees. Not everyone looks like me or worships like me or interprets scripture like me. But we can all still chase after our Creator.

We were praying for direction with another couple who we've known for years. What is God saying? How does the Church look in our culture? Why do we feel so restless - what is God calling us to? We turtles-skunks had a lot to work through and pray about.

On November 13th, 2005 after much prayer and consideration, we started meeting together with all our children and another couple to worship God. What does it look like? We're still trying to nail it down - it looks a lot like what we've all been used to so far - but God is stretching us.

What an adventure! No "head pastor" - every part of the body has input in pastoring. No "tithe" - we realize 100% is His, not 10%. No "growth strategy" - God will add at His pleasure. No "youth ministry" or "children's church" - as parents, we teach our children and worship side by side. No "by-laws" or "constitution" - we want to chase after God - no time for politics. No "reaching out" to bring in - we will go out instead. No "mission projects" to send money to someone else for the care of others - we'll get our hands messy and take care of them ourselves. No "market research" or "book store" or "family life center" or "counter-culture" or "here's-who-to-vote-for flyers"...

(I had to laugh as I'm reading this part back - I keep remembering when Chris Farley used to do that weekend update segment on SNL - every time he said a word, he'd make those little quote signs with his fingers - So maybe I'm not "the clean one"...maybe I haven't "showered lately"...)

I was sent this the other day by Dan Katka - my friend and partner in this little adventure:

"In the beginning the church was a fellowship of men and women centering on the living Christ. Then the church moved to Greece where it became a philosophy. Then it moved to Rome where it became an institution. Next, it moved to Europe, where it became a culture. And, finally, it moved to America where it became an enterprise."

Richard Halverson, former chaplain of the United States Senate -
Quoted in The Awesome Power of Shared Beliefs , E. Glenn Wagner, Ph.D

Christ at our center - the Spirit as our guide - we chase the Father of creation. Not a home church - not an emerging church...just the Church. Seeking to build an ark for the saving of our families. Seeking to live in community with each other. Seeking to allow God to build His Kingdom through us. Seeking to lift up the name of Christ before a lost and dying nation. Seeking to decrease that He might increase.

If God lays it on your heart, please pray for us to learn how to truly be the Church.